Showing The Product - Not Show Biz

Now situated in Hall 5 at the NEC, Mitsubishi will be at the British International Motor show having taken the decision initially not to attend. That decision was made due to the cost potential and at a time when Mitsubishi were heavily promoting the lower retail price of their cars and introducing added value specification models.

Due to the success of this strategy retail sales have boomed by 37% so far this year so the decision not to attend the show was reversed.

However Mitsubishi’s presence this year will be very much as a practical sales operation - more a case of showing off the product than show biz.

Mitsubishi’s declared worldwide philosophy is, in the future, to produce products with a radical and exciting design with a strong element of motor sport heritage.

Pajero Evolution

A perfect example of that is the Pajero Evolution, the first concept car to become a racecar. The UK debut of this Pajero Evolution will be at the British show. At the end of October one of these vehicles will make its raid rally racing debut in the UAE Desert Challenge, a competitive test before its Dakar Rally debut at the end of the year. A 3.5 litre V6 DOHC 24 valve MIVEC engine powers the Pajero Evolution and for the first time on a Pajero/Shogun a 6-speed sequential gearbox will be used.

Space Star 1.9 DI-D Equippe Manual

One of Mitsubishi’s many sales success stories is the second-generation Space Star 5-door high roof hatchback. The model on display will be the 1.9 DI-D Equippe variant fitted with the latest direct injection, common-rail, low emission and tax friendly turbo diesel engine. Priced at £12,995 this model has as standard, ABS with EBD, air conditioning, fog lights, alloy wheels, central door locking, front and rear electric windows, electrically operated door mirrors, roof rails, body air dam styling kit, twin airbags and CD system. This model is truly representative of Mitsubishi’s policy of competitive pricing and extra added value specification. For instance any Space Star bought before the end of the year has deferred payment until May 2003 and 3 years/27,000 mile free servicing.

Carisma 1.6 Mirage Manual

From the same European factory comes the latest generation Carisma 5-door. The model on display is a 1.6 Mirage variant and again focuses customer attention on value for money. Priced at £9,995 the 1.6 Mirage has ABS with EBD, CD player, electric front windows, titanium effect dash panel, alloy wheels, central door locking, dual airbags and an £500 air conditioning option. Again customers buying a Mitsubishi come off best as Carisma models until the end of this year have deferred payment until May 2003 and 3 years/27,000 MILE free servicing.

L200 2.5 TD Warrior

Mitsubishi are big in the 4-wheel drive market. The UK’s number one selling pick up range is the award winning Mitsubishi L200 range. Representing the L200 range is the Warrior a 2.5 turbo diesel double cab that combines off road toughness with on road business cred. Over 1,100 of this particular model were sold in the UK in just one month after its launch in August. The Warrior is available in either black or silver and has smoked windows, front fog lights, titanium effect facia, alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear/transmission t knobs, Warrior decals, stainless steel rear bar and door entry guards, rear differential lock, air conditioning, CD autochanger, easy select 4x4, central locking and four electric windows all for CV OTR £16,995 or £17,995 with leather.

Shogun Pinin 2.0 GDI Elegance Auto 5-Door

Shogun models are legendary. The smallest family member, the Pinin by name but Shogun by nature is available in three and five door body styles with 1.8 MPI and 2.0 GDI petrol engine options. On show will be to the top of the range, 5-Door 2.0 GDI Elegance with automatic transmission. Specification includes leather seats, fog lights, hard rear wheel cover, alloy wheels, ABS with EBD, electric heated/adjustable door mirrors, CD player, super select 4x4, GDI low emission petrol engine, central door locking and air conditioning. On the road price of this variant is £18,495. Any customer who buys a Pinin before the end of the year will have 3-years/27,000 mile free servicing for their new purchase.

Shogun Sport 2.5 TD Equippe Manual

Further up the Shogun family ladder is the Shogun Sport. Available with either turbo diesel or v6 petrol engine options, the motor show display vehicle will be the 2.5 TD Equippe manual model. Powered buy the latest Euro III low emission, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, the Shogun Sport has easy select 4x4, alloy wheels, roof spoiler, fog lights, headlight washers, ABS with EBD, wood effect facia, air conditioning, central door locking, electrically operated windows and door mirrors, twin airbags, sunroof and side steps. This Shogun has seating for five passengers in comfort with luggage and load carrying space to match. Retail on the road price is £21,995.

Shogun 3.5 V6 GDI Elegance Auto 5-Door

Top of the Shogun range is the 5-door, 3.5 GDI Elegance with INVECS II automatic transmission including sports mode tiptronic function. The Shogun is a legend in its own lifetime and the latest models live up to all the praise, accolades, awards and rally victories that have gone before it. Seating for seven, a towing capacity of 3,300 kg and priced at £34,995, this top of the range executive on-roader with real off road performance goes from sales strength to strength. Specification includes power and heated front seats, leather upholstery, hard rear wheel cover, roof spoiler, climate control, cruise control, electric glass sunroof, alloy wheels, central door locking, rear differential lock and air conditioning.

Lancer Evolution VII FQ300

Always a crowd puller at any show is the Lancer Evolution in whatever incarnation is current at the time. This year the Evo VII with FQ300 specification will be the focus of attention. Top speed limited to 155 mph, 0 to 62 mph in under 5 seconds with 4 wheel drive, active yaw control, luxurious sports interior and a price tag of £31,495 says everything you need to know about this vehicle.

And More…

Other activities and models on the Mitsubishi stand depending upon the theme of the day are:

Press Day activities will include attendance by former England cricketers on the stand to celebrate Mitsubishi being chosen as the preferred car supplier to the Professional Cricketers Association.

On the Motorsport days 1 and 2 November, the Shogun Pinin 3-Door driven by Colin Reid who has already won the Production Class with one round to go in the British Off Road Championship will be on the stand as will its driver.

On Careers day 28 October representatives from Mitsubishi Motors UK Training facility and the Personnel Department will be on the stand to offer advice on careers within the company, industry and Mitsubishi dealerships.